B/R Kicks: Top Memorial Day Weekend Sneaker Releases

In the sneaker world, Memorial Day Weekend has become a time when brands can unload big-money releases. This year's batch of kicks is no different.

Between Jordan Brand's experimental Fly '89 model, Nike releasing a debut signature shoe and Adidas breaking rank and dropping a beautiful collaboration pack, there's enough goodness to go around.

We wanted to explore five of the top releases in greater detail. From price point to materials used, here are some of the best kicks dropping Memorial Day Weekend.

Air Jordan XI Low 'Black/White'

Image courtesy of Nike

Sneaker: Air Jordan XI Low "Black/White"

Release Date: May 27

Summer weather pries open the door and makes way for the Air Jordan XI Low to surface from Nike's vault. This year's edition has been dubbed the "Black/White" and is scheduled for a May 27 drop across the Nike SNKRS app and various retailers.

It's easy to forget, but the Jordan 11 Low was mainly crafted to take a classic model and make it tuxedo-ready. The "Black/White" edition is as tuxedo-ready as it gets. A matte black finish laid over the toe box in patent leather form is matched by a sleek leather imprint pressed onto the shoe's upper. Completing the whole wedding season feel is the addition of a white and metallic sidewall and sole.

This design takes otherwise traditional colors to the next level, providing the Air Jordan XI Low "Black/White" with enough subtle energy to be worn by groomsmen across the world.

Adidas Consortium X Overkill EQT 'Coat of Arms' Pack

Sneaker: Adidas Consortium x Overkill EQT "Coat of Arms" Pack

Release Date: May 27

Adidas and Overkill are set to restock the radical EQT "Coat of Arms" Pack on Memorial Day Weekend. The May 27 drop is etched in stone as a second chance to purchase both versions of this premier collaboration.

It's all about design when it comes to German-based brand Overkill. Taking yet another popular Adidas model and giving it a custom spin, this "Coat of Arms" pack was derived using a vexing mix of gray, white, red and blue.

These kicks are going to be a challenging pickup, stemming from the fact they're going to be limited. But anyone looking to venture away from the huge Memorial Day push Nike is making should keep "Coat of Arms" on their radar.

Nike KDX 'Anniversary'

Image courtesy of Nike

Sneaker: Nike KDX "Anniversary"

Release Date: May 26

Kevin Durant's new sneaker has arrived just in time for the Golden State Warriors' third straight NBA Finals run. The Nike KDX "Anniversary" embraces elements from the previous KD models—like the Zoom-fortified midsole planet in the KD 9—while pushing the line further into its own lane of innovation.

Kobe Bryant's departure from basketball in 2016 created a vacuum when it came to hyperadaptive tech shoes. In many ways, Durant's Nike line has stormed the castle and taken its crown.

Designer Leo Chang unleashes a new way of doing business with the KDX. A Flyknit layering isn't just present on the upper. It now composes the DNA of Durant's kicks. A lightweight chassis supports the KDX's Flyknit upper, creating an aerodynamic feel not seen before in a KD offering.

Pegged with a $150 price tag—still lower than we expected—the KDX "Anniversary" looks like it's going to be a huge part of Durant's sneaker legacy.

Nike Air More Uptempo 'White on White'

Image courtesy of Nike

Sneaker: Nike Air More Uptempo "White on White"

Release Date: May 26

The 1990s can be summed up by Marcy Playground's music, Spike Lee joints and the Nike Air More Uptempo. It's bubbly design and thick leather base helped define a generation of NBA Jam addicts and physical play on the court.

Nike has used 2016 and '17 to reinvigorate the shoe. Dropping in countless colorways, the Air More Uptempo is back and, in a lot of ways, better than ever.

Putting on your Memorial Day Weekend whites just improved, with the "White on White" releasing May 26. It's a perfect sneaker for beach days and angry conversations about which friend scuffed your shoes.

Jordan Fly '89 'Est. 1989'

Image courtesy of Nike

Sneaker: Jordan Fly '89 "Est. 1989"

Release Date: May 26

The Jordan Fly '89 "Est. 1989" doesn't look like the shoe it was inspired from—the Air Jordan IV—minus the lace support system around the ankle. But that doesn't mean these kicks should be passed over.

Modern design and simplicity are in. It's no wonder the Jordan Fly '89 got a release date. The sock-liner and slide fit are conducive to comfort in an era when the Adidas Ultra Boost models have taken over the market.

With the Fly '89, you get a sense of premium comfort from the moment you wear them. What's even cooler about these kicks is the price. For $110, the Fly '89 is a worthy addition to anyone's collection.

All production information and release dates via Nike News and Adidas News unless noted otherwise.